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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.